This legal action against transgender individuals calls to mind the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy implemented under the Bill Clinton administration,which prevented non-heterosexual members of the military from being able to openly admit their sexual orientation. It also prohibited the families of gay military members from receiving the same benefits as other military families. This policy was ended by President Obama in his first term, in 2011. Clinton has since indicated remorse for the policy, but argues it was his attempt to prevent a complete ban on gay individuals in the military – which, for transgender individuals, is occurring through this declaration made by Trump.

Banning transgender individuals from serving in the military is discrimination. Former Secretary of Defense Carter’s actions highlighted a military ready for progress and ready to defend the rights of all of its citizens, not just those that fit into a more conventional narrative. By upholding the ban, the Trump administration supports and promotes discrimination and directly reverses previous progress to encourage equality. We at Open Americas strongly condemn the stance the Trump presidency has taken against transgender individuals.